By BM
Kampala’s skyline is a reflection of its landlords, a mix of old money, aggressive entrepreneurs, industrial magnates and self-made tycoons.
While much of the city’s land is publicly administered, the commercial capital, arcades, transport terminals, and even schools are concentrated in the hands of a powerful few.
In this listing, we explore the top property moguls shaping the city’s economy, infrastructure and class dynamics through land and buildings’ ownership.
- Sudhir Ruparelia
Respected as Kampala’s top property mogul, Sudhir owns over 100 high-value properties in the Central Business District. His empire spans banks, education (including Victoria University), hotels, and entertainment.
Notable assets: Crane Chambers, Kampala Boulevard, Speke Apartments, Speke Hotel, Kingdom Kampala, Speke Resort Munyonyo, and more.
He also owns properties in Kireka, Kawempe, and Mukono.
- Drake Lubega
Another heavyweight in Kampala’s property scene. He controls over 30 buildings in the city center and runs businesses in manufacturing, schools, and construction.
Notable assets: Qualicel Bus Terminal, Totala Plaza, Jesco Plaza, Mini Price, Titanic, Majestic Plaza, and Pentagon.
He owns companies in polythene manufacturing, stone quarries, and truck imports.
- John Bosco Muwonge
Muwonge owns some of the busiest transit spaces in the city, including parks and terminals. His grip on real estate extends to malls, markets, and hotels.
Notable assets: Mukwano Shopping Centre, Aponye Mall, Namayiba Bus and Taxi Parks, Top City Plaza, Gwanda in Kisenyi.
He’s also active in agriculture (tea plantations) and construction.
- Mansoor Matovu (Yanga)
A prominent figure in Nakasero and Wilson Road zones, Matovu owns major commercial buildings and continues to acquire more.
Notable assets: Nanaganda Plaza, MM Plaza, Soweto Plaza, Jumbo, Zaina Textile, and Zai Plaza.
His footprint extends into Ndeeba and other suburbs.
- Godfrey Kirumira
Chairperson of the elite “Bagagga Kwagalana Group” and Uganda’s ambassador to Namibia, Kirumira owns fuel stations, schools, and prime commercial complexes.
Notable assets: Royal Complex, Kirumira Towers, Havanah Building, and International Hotel Muyenga.
Analysis: The first five names reflect the deep concentration of commercial and institutional real estate among select elite. Not only do they own buildings, but they also control key economic sectors education, hospitality, manufacturing, and transport.
- Hamis Kiggundu (Ham)
A young tycoon reshaping city infrastructure. Known for modernizing Nakivubo Stadium and owning several arcades in the CBD.
Other assets: Schools, factories, and property development companies.
- Tom Kitandwe
Started in exports and now builds multi-story buildings at key intersections.
Notable buildings: Gaza Land, Galiraaya, Grand Corner House, City Mall.
Owns a large block in Arua Park covering three roads.
- Guster Lule (Ntake)
From small-time trader to bakery mogul, Ntake now owns several arcades and companies.
Notable assets: Jemba Arcade, Nalule Plaza, Delta TV, Delta Water, Gadith House.
He also exports wheat flour and owns land in Nalukolongo.
- The Mukwano Family
One of Uganda’s oldest and wealthiest families. Through Mukwano Group, they dominate plastics, logistics, and commercial real estate.
Notable assets: Mukwano Mall, Mukwano Courts, buildings on Martin and Old Portbell Roads.
They also have major interests in mineral water and packaging.
- Gordon Wavamunno
Veteran businessman with real estate in Nakawa and Makindye. He owns Spear Motors (car dealership) and Wava Water.
Insight: These tycoons have diversified wealth portfolios from retail to logistics and education. Several (like Ham and Ntake) show how new money is entering Kampala’s elite through innovation and scale.
- Christine Nabukeera
A top female tycoon. Owns New Pioneer Mall and Kisekka Auto Centre. She’s also redeveloping property formerly occupied by 888 Hotel.
- Mohan Kiwanuka
Kololo and Nakasero’s major landlord. Also owns Oscar Industries and Radio One.
Other assets: Bwerenga Estate and numerous luxury apartments.
- Karim Hirji
Owner of key hospitality and retail centers.
Notable assets: Charm Towers, Equatorial Mall, Grand Imperial, and Imperial Royal Hotel.
- Omar Mandela
Owner of Supreme Industries (wheat, maize), City Oil fuel stations, and the Cafe Javas chain. Also owns arcades and warehouses.
- Pradip Karia
Owns more than 20 buildings in Kampala and various trading companies.
Trend: Many of Kampala’s property moguls are also industrialists and manufacturers. There’s a strong Indian-Ugandan presence in this bracket Sudhir, Karia, Hirji many of whom survived the 1972 expulsion and returned to rebuild empires.
- Agnes Babirye
Owns Park View, Hannifer Tower, Diamond Hotel, and properties in Kisenyi. Specializes in women’s fashion imports.
- James Bwogi
One of the longstanding tycoons, owns Kisa Kya Maria and other major assets.
- Moses Kayongo
Young and fast-rising. Owner of Mt Zion Hotel and Liberty buildings near Nakivubo.
- Moses Kalungi (Bill Gates)
Owns Kalungi Plaza, plus other properties along William Street, Kampala Road, and Kisenyi.
- Festo Kasajja
Owns the Kasajja 1-4 buildings, with the newest being a 12-storey development in Kisenyi.
Observation: Kisenyi, long seen as a low-income area, is fast becoming a hotspot for high-rise development, attracting new entrants and seasoned tycoons alike.
- Simpson Birungi (Movit)
Founder of Movit Products. Owns Prime Complex and other commercial properties.
- Hajji Mutaasa Kafeero
Owns Mutaasa Kafeero Plaza and Hotel Triangle.
- Sarah Nkonge
Owns Modern Arcade on Nasser Road and multiple schools.
24.Teopista Nabbaale
Owns buildings across Martin Road, Namirembe Road, Kansanga, and exports goods.
Diversity Watch: Women are slowly carving out a presence in real estate though still underrepresented; several names like Babirye, Nkonge, and Nabbaale have made impactful investments.
- Pius Mugalaasi
Engineer with more than 3 acres in the city, owns a taxi park and hotels.
- Epurmac Kagolo
Owns four buildings in the CBD, along with transport and logistics companies.
- Hajji Abdul Kasaayi
Lawyer and businessman, owns Old Taxi Park Mall and buildings along Nasser Road.
- Kasiiwuukira Family
Owners of Nalubwana Angel Plaza, Timuseewo Mpoza, and several hotels.
- Dick Kizito
Owns Kizito Towers and several other buildings in the CBD.
- Saad Lukwago
Owns Lukwago Plaza and other buildings in Kisenyi and surrounding areas.
Conclusion: The Private Hands That Shape a Public City
From the Central Business District to the edges of the city, Kampala is a city in the hands of a few.
These tycoons seasoned veterans and fast-rising moguls alike continue to redefine urban life through their ownership of key infrastructure and commercial hubs.
As debates around inequality, land use, and urban planning intensify, understanding who owns what is no longer a curiosity it’s a necessity. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
